Academics - Department of Physical Therapy

Department of Physical Therapy - An Accredited Physical Therapy Program in Pennsylvania

OTCAS and PTCAS applicants: We appreciate your patience as we review a record number of applications. You will receive an admission notice by March 15

The Department of Physical Therapy educates Doctor of Physical Therapy students to practice autonomously within an evolving, complex and diverse health-care environment. You’ll become a health-care professional distinguished by leadership, innovation and excellence in a dynamic and diverse global society.

A Field of Increasing Demand

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a
39% increase in demand for physical therapists by 2020. As the life expectancy for Americans lengthens, the need for graduates from physical therapy schools to care for them will increase.

Physical therapists:

Motivate people to reach optimal functional status in work, home and recreational activities

Develop a treatment program unique to each individual that includes education, instruction and patient participation

Evaluate an individual's ability to function

Work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness programs for healthier and more active lifestyles

Have career flexibility

Enjoy a choice of work environments—from private offices and clinics to rehabilitation and acute-care hospitals to clients' homes.

Accreditation

The physical therapy program at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Click here to access accreditation information.

Frequently asked questions regarding physical therapy programs, accreditation and complaints about a CAPTE accredited program can be found by clicking here, or by calling 703.706.3244.

Learning Outcomes

Each program at University of the Sciences has developed student learning objectives. PT program student learning objectives are:

Professional Practice: Graduates will use the best evidence to demonstrate reflective clinical decision making and skill performance in all aspects of patient/client management to achieve optimal outcomes.

Practice Management: Graduates will be able to practice autonomously within an evolving, complex, and diverse health care environment.

Leadership: Graduates will be engaged in leadership activities tailored to meet their own goals for professional development.

Additional Information

Physical therapy students must consistently demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, the physical, emotional and cognitive essential functions and technical standards that are necessary for successful completion of the physical therapy program at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.